GS Paper 1 Previous Years Questions Compilation + Syllabus

GS Paper I Syllabus

1. Indian Culture – Salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times
2. Modern Indian History from about the middle of the eighteenth century until the present- significant events, personalities, issues.
3. The Freedom Struggle — its various stages and important contributors/contributions from different parts of the country.
4. Post-independence Consolidation and Reorganization within the country.
5. History of the World will include events from 18th century such as Industrial Revolution, world wars, Redrawal of National Boundaries, Colonization, Decolonization, political philosophies like Communism, Capitalism, Socialism etc.— their forms and effect on the society.
6. Salient features of Indian Society, Diversity of India.
7. Role of Women and Women’s Organization,
8. Population and Associated Issues,
9. Poverty and Developmental issues,
10. Urbanization, their problems and their remedies.
11. Effects of Globalization on Indian society.
12. Social Empowerment, Communalism, Regionalism & Secularism.
13. Salient features of World’s Physical Geography.
14. Distribution of Key Natural Resources across the world (including South Asia and the Indian sub-continent); factors responsible for the location of primary, secondary, and tertiary sector industries in various parts of the world (including India).
15. Important Geophysical Phenomena such as earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic activity, cyclone etc.,
16. Geographical features and their location-changes in critical geographical features (including water-bodies and ice-caps) and in flora and fauna and the effects of such changes.

UPSC IAS Mains 2025: General Studies I

1. Discuss the salient features of the Harappan architecture. (Answer in 150 words) 10
2. Examine the main aspects of Akbar’s religious syncretism. (Answer in 150 words) 10
3. ‘The sculptors filled the Chandella artform with resilient vigor and breadth of life.’ Elucidate. (Answer in 150 words) 10
4. How are climate change and the sea level rise affecting the very existence of many island nations? Discuss with examples. (Answer in 150 words) 10
5. What are non-farm primary activities? How are these activities related to physiographic features in India? Discuss with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words) 10
6. Explain briefly the ecological and economic benefits of solar energy generation in India with suitable examples. (Answer in 150 words) 10
7. What are Tsunamis? How and where are they formed? What are their consequences? Explain with examples. (Answer in 150 words) 10
8. How does smart city in India, address the issues of urban poverty and distributive justice? (Answer in 150 words) 10
9. The ethos of civil service in India stand for the combination of professionalism with nationalistic consciousness – Elucidate. (Answer in 150 words) 10
10. Do you think that globalization results in only an aggressive consumer culture? Justify your answer. (Answer in 150 words) 10
11. Mahatma Jotirao Phule’s writings and efforts of social reforms touched issues of almost all subaltern classes. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words) 15
12. Trace India’s consolidation process during early phase of independence in terms of polity, economy, education and international relations. (Answer in 250 words) 15
13. The French Revolution has enduring relevance to the contemporary world. Explain. (Answer in 250 words) 15
14. Give a geographical explanation of the distribution of off-shore oil reserves of the world. How are they different from the on-shore occurrences of oil reserves? (Answer in 250 words) 15
15. How can Artificial Intelligence (AI) and drones be effectively used along with GIS and RS techniques in locational and areal planning? (Answer in 250 words) 15
16. Discuss how the changes in shape and sizes of continents and ocean basins of the planet take place due to tectonic movements of the crustal masses. (Answer in 250 words) 15
17. Discuss the distribution and density of population in the Ganga River Basin with special reference to land, soil and water resources. (Answer in 250 words) 15
18. How do you account for the growing fast food industries given that there are increased health concerns in modern society? Illustrate your answer with the Indian experience. (Answer in 250 words) 15
19. Achieving sustainable growth with emphasis on environmental protection could come into conflict with poor people’s needs in a country like India – Comment. (Answer in 250 words) 15
20. Does tribal development in India centre around two axes, those of displacement and of rehabilitation? Give your opinion. (Answer in 250 words) 15

UPSC IAS Mains 2024: General Studies I

1) Underline the changes in the field of economy and society from Rig Vedic to later Vedic period (Answer in 150 words)

2) Estimate the contribution of Pallavas of Kanchi for the development of Art and literature  of South India. (Answer in 150 words)

3) What were the events that led to the Quit India Movement? Point out its results. (Answer in 150 words)

4) What is sea surface temperature rise? How does it affect the formation of tropical cyclones? (Answer in 150 words)

5) Why do large cities tend to attract more migrants than smaller towns? Discuss in the light of conditions in developing countries. (Answer in 150 words)

6) What is the phenomenon of ‘cloudbursts’? Explain. (Answer in 150 words)

7) What is the concept of a ‘demographic winter’? Is the world moving towards such a situation? Elaborate. (Answer in 150 words)

8) Distinguish between gender equality, gender equity and women’s empowerment. Why is it important to take gender concerns into account in programme design and implementation? (Answer in 150 words)

9) Intercaste marriages between castes which have socio-economic parity have increased, to some extent, but this is less true of interreligious marriages. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)

10) In dealing with socio-economic issues of development, what kind of collaboration between government, NGOs and private sector would be most productive? (Answer in 150 words)

11) “Though the great Cholas are no more, yet their name is still remembered with great pride because of their highest achievements in the domain of art and architecture.” Comment. (Answer in 250 words)

12) How far is it correct to say that the First World War was fought essentially for the preservation of balance of power? (Answer in 250 words)

13) How far was the Industrial Revolution in England responsible for the decline of handicrafts and cottage industries in India? (Answer in 250 words)

14) The groundwater potential of the gangetic valley is on a serious decline. How may it affect the food security of India? (Answer in 250 words)

15) What are aurora australia and aurora borealis? How are these triggered? (Answer in 250 words)

16) What is a twister? Why are the majority of twisters observed in areas around the Gulf of Mexico? (Answer in 250 words)

17) What is regional disparity? How does it differ from diversity? How serious is the issue of regional disparity in India? (Answer in 250 words)

18) Despite comprehensive policies for equity and social justice, underprivileged sections are not yet getting the full benefits of affirmative action envisaged by the Constitution. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)

19) Globalization has increased urban migration by skilled, young, unmarried women from various classes. How has this trend impacted upon their personal freedom and relationship with family? (Answer in 250 words)

20) Critically analyse the proposition that there is a high correlation between India’s cultural diversities and socio-economic marginalities. (Answer in 250 words)

UPSC IAS Mains 2023: General Studies I

1) Explain the role of geographical factors towards the development of Ancient India. (Answer in 150 words)

2) What was the difference between Mahatma Gandhi and Rabindranath Tagore in their approach towards education and nationalism? (Answer in 150 words)

3) Bring out the socio-economic effects of the introduction of railways in different countries of the world. (Answer in 150 words)

4) Discuss the consequences of climate change on the food security in tropical countries. (Answer in 150 words)

5) Why is the world today confronted with a crisis of availability of and access to freshwater resources? (Answer in 150 words)

6) How are the fjords formed? Why do they constitute some of the most picturesque areas of the world? (Answer in 150 words)

7) Why is the South-West monsoon called ‘Purvaiya’ (easterly) in Bhojpur Region? How has this directional seasonal wind system influenced the cultural ethos of the region? (Answer in 150 words)

8) Do you think marriage as a sacrament in loosing its value in Modern India? (Answer in 150 words)

9) Explain why suicide among young women is increasing in Indian Society. (Answer in 150 words)

10) Child cuddling is now being replaced by mobile phones. Discuss its impact on the socialization of children. (Answer in 150 words)

11) What are the main features of Vedic society and religion? Do you think some of the features are still prevailing in Indian society? (Answer in 250 words)

12) What were the major technological changes introduced during the Sultanate period? How did those technological changes influence the Indian society?(Answer in 250 words)

13) How did the colonial rule affect the tribals in India and what was the tribal response to the colonial oppression?(Answer in 250 words)

14) Comment on the resource potentials of the long coastline of India and highlight the status of natural hazard preparedness in these areas.(Answer in 250 words)

15) Identify and discuss the factors responsible for diversity of natural vegetation in India. Assess the significance of wildlife sanctuaries in rain forests regions of India.(Answer in 250 words)

16) Why did human development fail to keep pace with economic development in India? (Answer in 250 words)

17) From being net food importer in 1960s, India has emerged as a net food exporter to the world. Provide reasons. (Answer in 250 words)

18) Does urbanization lead to more segregation and/or marginalization of the poor in Indian metropolises? (Answer in 250 words)

19) Why is caste identity in India both fluid and static? (Answer in 250 words)

20) Discuss the impact of post-liberal economy on ethnic identity and communalism. (Answer in 250 words)

UPSC IAS Mains 2022: General Studies I

1) How will you explain the medieval Indian temple sculptures represent the social life of those days? (Answer in 150 words)

2) Why did the armies of the British East India Company – mostly comprising of Indian soldiers – win consistently against the more numerous and better equipped armies of the Indian rulers? Give reasons. (Answer in 150 words)

3) Why was there a sudden spurt in famines in colonial India since the mid-eighteenth century? Give reasons. (Answer in 150 words)

4) Describe the characteristics and types of primary rocks. (Answer in 150 words)

5) Discuss the meaning of colour-coded weather warnings for cyclone prone areas given by India Meteorological department. (Answer in 150 words)

6) Discuss the natural resource potentials of ‘Deccan trap’. (Answer in 150 words)

7) Examine the potential of wind energy in India and explain the reasons for their limited spatial spread. (Answer in 150 words)

8) Explore and evaluate the impact of ‘Work From Home’ on family relationships. (Answer in 150 words)

9) How is the growth of Tier 2 cities related to the rise of a new middle class with an emphasis on the culture of consumption? (Answer in 150 words)

10) Given the diversities among the tribal communities in India, in which specific contexts should they be considered as a single category? (Answer in 150 words)

11) The political and administrative reorganization of states and territories has been a continuous ongoing process since the mid-nineteenth century. Discuss with examples. (Answer in 250 words)

12) Discuss the main contributions of Gupta period and Chola period to Indian heritage and culture . (Answer in 250 words)

13) Discuss the significance of the lion and bull figures in Indian mythology, art and architecture. (Answer in 250 words)

14) What are the forces that influence ocean currents? Describe their role in fishing industry of the world. (Answer in 250 words)

15) Describing the distribution of rubber producing countries, indicate the major environmental issues faced by them. (Answer in 250 words)

16) Mention the significance of straits and isthmus in international trade. (Answer in 250 words)

17) Troposphere is a very significant atmospheric layer that determines weather processes. How? (Answer in 250 words)

18) Analyze the salience of ‘sect’ in Indian society vis-a-vis caste, region and religion. (Answer in 250 words)

19) Are tolerance, assimilation and pluralism the key elements in the making of an Indian form of secularism? Justify your answer. (Answer in 250 words)

20) Elucidate the relationship between globalization and new technology in a world of scarce resources, with special reference to India. (Answer in 250 words)

UPSC IAS Mains 2021: General Studies I

1) Evaluate the nature of the Bhakti Literature and its contribution to  Indian culture. (Answer in 150 words)

2) Trace the rise and growth of socio-religious reform movements with special reference to Young Bengal and Brahmo Samaj. (Answer in 150 words)

3) Assess the main administrative issues and socio-cultural problems in the integration process of Indian Princely States. (Answer in 150 words)

4) Differentiate the causes of landslides in the Himalayan region and Western Ghats. (Answer in 150 words)

5) Despite India being one of the countries of the Gondwanaland, its mining industry contributes much less to its Gross Domestic Product(GDP) in percentage. Discuss.(Answer in 150 words)

6) what are the environmental implications of the reclamation of the water bodies into urban land use? Explain with examples. (Answer in 150 words)

7) Mention the global occurrence of volcanic eruptions in 2021 and their impact on regional environment. (Answer in 150 words)

8) Why is India considered as a sub-continent? Elaborate your answer. (Answer in 150 words)

9) Examine the uniqueness of tribal knowledge system when compared with mainstream knowledge and cultural systems. (Answer in 150 words)

10) Examine the role of ‘Gig Economy’ in the process of empowerment of women in India. (Answer in 150 words)

11) To what extent did the role of the moderates prepare a base for the wider freedom movement? Comment. (Answer in 250 words)

12) Bring out the constructive programmes of Mahatma Gandhi during Non-Cooperation Movement and Civil Disobedience Movement. (Answer in 250 words)

13) ” There arose a serious challenge to the Democratic State System between the two World Wars.” Evaluate the statement. (Answer in 250 words)

14) Briefly mention the alignment of major mountain ranges of the world and explain their impact on local weather conditions, with examples. (Answer in 250 words)

15) How do the melting of the Arctic ice and glaciers of the Antarctic differently affect the weather patterns and human activities on the Earth? Explain. (Answer in 250 words)

16) Discuss the multi-dimensional implications of uneven distribution of mineral oil in the world. (Answer in 250 words)

17) What are the main socio-economic implications arising out of the development of IT industries in major cities of India? (Answer in 250 words)

18) Discuss the main objectives of Population Education and point out the measures to achieve them in India in detail. (Answer in 250 words)

19) What is Cryptocurrency? How does it affect global society? Has it been affecting Indian society also?(Answer in 250 words)

20) How does Indian society maintain continuity in traditional social values? Enumerate the changes taking place in it (Answer in 250 words)

UPSC IAS Mains 2020: General Studies I

1) The rock-cut architecture represents one of the most important sources of our knowledge of early Indian art and history. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)

2) Pala period is the most significant phase in the history of Buddhism in India. Enumerate. (Answer in 150 words)

3) Evaluate the policies of Lord Curzon and their long term implications on the national movements. (Answer in 150 words)

4) Discuss the geophysical characteristics of Circum- Pacific Zone. (Answer in 150 words)

5) The process of desertification does not have climate boundaries. Justify with examples. (Answer in 150 words) 10

6) How will the melting of Himalayan glaciers have a far- reaching impact on the water resources of India? (Answer in 150 words)

7) Account for the present location of iron and steel industries away from the source of raw material, by giving examples. (Answer in 150 words)

8) Has caste lost its relevance in understanding the multi- cultural Indian Society? Elaborate your answer with illustrations. (Answer in 150 words)

9) COVID-19 pandemic accelerated class inequalities and poverty in India. Comment. (Answer in 150 words)

10) Do you agree that regionalism in India appears to be a consequence of rising cultural assertiveness? Argue. (Answer in 150 words)

11) Indian Philosophy and tradition played a significant role in conceiving and shaping the monuments and their art in India. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)

12) Persian literary sources of medieval India reflect the spirit of the age. Comment. (Answer in 250 words)

13) Since the decade of the 1920s, the national movement acquired various ideological strands and thereby expanded its social base. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)

14) The interlinking of revivers can provide viable solutions to the multi-dimensional inter-related problems of droughts, floods and interrupted navigation. Critically examine. (Answer in 250 words)

15) Account for the huge flooding of million cities in India including the smart ones like Hyderabad and Pune. Suggest lasting remedial measures. (Answer in 250 words)

16) India has immense potential of solar energy though there are regional variations in its developments. Elaborate. (Answer in 250 words)

17) Examine the status of forest resources of India and its resultant impact on climate change. (Answer in 250 words)

18) Is diversity and pluralism in India under threat due to globalisation? Justify your answer. (Answer in 250 words)

19) Customs and traditions suppress reason leading to obscurantism. Do you agree? (Answer in 250 words)

20) How have digital initiatives in India contributed to the functioning of the education system in the country? Elaborate your answer. (Answer in 250 words)

UPSC IAS Mains 2019: General Studies I

1) Highlight the Central Asian and Greco Bactrian elements in the Gandhara art. (Answer in 150 words)

2) The 1857 uprising was the culmination of the recurrent, big and small local rebellions that had occurred in the preceding hundred years of British rule. Elucidate. (Answer in 150 words)

3) Examine the linkages between the nineteenth century’s ‘Indian Renaissance’ and the emergence of national identity. (Answer in 150 words)

4) Assess the impact of global warming on the coral life system with examples. (Answer in 150 words)

5) Discuss the causes of depletion of mangroves and explain their importance in maintaining coastal ecology (Answer in 150 words)

6) Can the strategy of regional resource-based manufacturing help in promoting employment in India (Answer in 150 words)

7) Discuss the factors for localisation of agro-based food processing industries of North-West India. (Answer in 150 words)

8) What makes the Indian society unique in sustaining its culture? Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)

9) “Empowering women is the key to control population growth.” Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)

10) What are the challenges to our cultural practices in the name of secularism? (Answer in 150 words)

11) Many voices had strengthened and enriched the nationalist movement during the Gandhian phase. Elaborate. (Answer in 250 words)

12) Assess the role of British imperial power in complicating the process of transfer of power during the 1940s. (Answer in 250 words)

13) Explain how the foundations of the modern world were laid by the American and French Revolutions.
(Answer in 250 words)

14) What is water stress? How and why does it differ regionally in India? (Answer in 250 words)

15) How can the mountain ecosystem be restored from the negative impact of development initiatives and tourism? (Answer in 250 words)

16) How is efficient and affordable urban mass transport key to the rapid economic development in India?
(Answer in 250 words)

17) How do ocean currents and water masses differ in their impacts on marine life and coastal environment? Give suitable examples. (Answer in 250 words)

18) Do we have cultural pockets of small India all over the nation? Elaborate with examples. (Answer in 250 words)

19) What are the continued challenges for women in India against time and space? (Answer in 250 words)

20) Are we losing our local identity for the global identity? Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)

UPSC IAS Mains 2018: General Studies I

1) Safeguarding the Indian art heritage is the need of the moment. Comment (Answer in 150 words)

2) Assess the importance of the accounts of the Chinese and Arab travellers in the reconstruction of the history of India. (Answer in 150 words)

3) Throw light on the significance of the thoughts of Mahatma Gandhi in the present times. (Answer in 150 words)

4) Why is Indian Regional Navigational Satellite System (IRNSS) needed? How does it help in navigation? (Answer in 150 words)

5) Why is India taking keen interest in the Arctic region? (Answer in 150 words)

6) Define mantle plume and explain its role in plate tectonics. (Answer in 150 words)

7) What are the consequences of spreading of ‘Dead Zones’ on marine ecosystem? (Answer in 150 words)

8) “Caste system is assuming new identities and associational forms. Hence, caste system cannot be eradicated in India.” Comment. (Answer in 150 words)

9) ‘Despite implementation of various programmes for eradication of poverty by the government in India, poverty is still existing’. Explain by giving reasons. (Answer in 150 words)

10) How the Indian concept of secularism different from the western model of secularism? Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)

11) The Bhakti movement received a remarkable re-orientation with the advent of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)

12) Discuss whether formation of new states in recent times is beneficial or not for the economy of India. (Answer in 250 words)

13) Why indentured labour was taken by the British from India to their colonies? have they been able to preserve their cultural identity over there? (Answer in 250 words)

14) “The ideal solution of depleting ground water resources in India is water harvesting system.” How can it be made effective in urban areas? (Answer in 250 words)

15) Defining blue revolution, explain the problems and strategies for pisciculture development in India. (Answer in 250 words)

16) What is the significance of Industrial Corridors in India? Identifying industrial corridors, explain their main characteristics. (Answer in 250 words)

17) Mention core strategies for the transformation of aspirational districts in India and explain the nature of convergence, collaboration and competition for its success. (Answer in 250 words)

18) ‘Women’s movement in India has not addressed the issues of women of lower social strata.’ Substantiate your view. (Answer in 250 words)

19) ‘Globalisation is generally said to promote cultural homogenisation but due to this cultural specificities appear to be strengthened in the Indian society.’ Elucidate. (Answer in 250 words)

20) ‘Communalism arises either due to power struggle or relative deprivation.’ Argue by giving suitable illustrations. (Answer in 250 words)

UPSC IAS Mains 2017: General Studies I

1) How do you justify the view that the level of excellence of the Gupta numismatic art is not at all noticeable in later times? (150 words)

2) Clarify how mid-eighteenth century India was beset with the spectre of a fragmented polity. (150 words)

3) Why did the ‘Moderates’ failed to carry conviction with the nation about their proclaimed ideology and political goals by the end of the nineteenth century? (150 words)

4) What problems are germane to the decolonization process in the Malay Peninsula? (150 words)

5) How does the Juno Mission of NASA help to understand the origin and evolution of the Earth? (150 words)

6) “Inspite of adverse environmental impact, coal mining is still inevitable for development”. Discuss (150 words)

7) Mention the advantages of the cultivation of pulses because of which the year 2016 was declared as the International Year of Pulses by United Nations. (150 words)

8) How does the cryosphere affect global climate? (150 words)

9) In the context of the diversity of India, can it be said that the regions form cultural units rather than the States? Give reasons with examples for your view point. (150 words)

10) What are the two major legal initiatives by the State since Independence addressing discrimination against Scheduled Tribes(STs)? (150 words) (250 words)

11) The spirit of tolerance and love is not only an interesting feature of Indian society from very early times, but it is also playing an important part at the present. Elaborate. (250 words)

12) Examine how the decline of traditional artisanal industry in colonial India crippled the rural economy. (250 words)

13) Highlight the importance of the new objectives that got added to the vision of Indian Independence since the twenties of the last century. (250 words)

14) Account for variations in oceanic salinity and discuss its multi-dimensional effects. (250 words)

15) Petroleum refineries are not necessarily located nearer to crude oil producing areas, particularly in many of the developing countries. Explain its implications. (250 words)

16) In what way can floods be converted into a sustainable source of irrigation and all-weather inland navigation in India? (250 words)

17) What characteristics can be assigned to monsoon climate that succeeds in feeding more than 50 percent of the world population residing in Monsoon Asia? (250 words)

18) The women’s questions arose in modern India as a part of the 19th century social reform movement. What are the major issues and debates concerning women in that period? (250 words)

19) Distinguish between religiousness/religiosity and communalism giving one example of how the former has got transformed into the latter in independent India. (250 words)

20) “The growth of cities as I.T. hubs has opened up new avenues of employment, but has also created new problems”. Substantiate this statement with examples (250 words)

UPSC IAS Mains 2016: General Studies I

1) Early Buddhist Stupa-art, while depicting folk motifs and narratives, successfully expounds Buddhist ideals. Elucidate. (Answer in 200 words)

2) Krishnadeva Raya, the king of Vijayanagar, was not only an accomplished scholar himself but was a also a great patron of learning and literature. Discuss. (Answer in 200 words)

3) Explain how the upraising of 1857 constitutes an important watershed in the evolution of British policies towards colonial India. (Answer in 200 words)

4) Discuss the role of women in the freedom struggle especially during the Gandhian phase. (Answer in 200 words)

5) Highlight the differences in the approach of Subhash Chandra Bose and Mahatma Gandhi in the struggle for freedom. (Answer in 200 words)

6) Has the formation of linguistic states strengthened the cause of Indian unity? (Answer in 200 words)

7) The anti-colonial struggles in West Africa were led by the new elite of Western -educated Africans. Examine.(Answer in 200 words)

8) To what extent globalisation has influenced the core of cultural diversity in India? Explain. (Answer in 200 words)

9) “An essential condition to eradicate poverty is to liberate the poor from the process of deprivation.” Substantiate this statement with suitable examples. (Answer in 200 words)

10) Why are the tribals in India referred to as ‘the Scheduled Tribes’? Indicate the major provisions enshrined in the Constitution of India for their upliftment. (Answer in 200 words)

11) With a brief background of quality of urban life in India, introduce the objectives and strategy of the ‘Smart City Programme.” (Answer in 200 words)

12) What is the basis of regionalism? Is it that unequal distribution of benefits of development on regional basis eventually promotes regionalism? Substantiate your answer. (Answer in 200 words)

13) Discuss the concept of air mass and explain its role in macro-climatic changes. (Answer in 200 words)

14) “The Himalayas are highly prone to landslides.”Discuss the causes and suggest suitable measures of mitigation. (Answer in 200 words)

15) The effective management of land and water resources will drastically reduce the human miseries. Explain. (Answer in 200 words)

16) South China Sea has assumed great geopolitical significance in the present context. Comment. (Answer in 200 words)

17) Major cities of India are becoming vulnerable to flood conditions. Discuss. (Answer in 200 words)

18) Present an account of the Indus Water Treaty and examine its ecological, economic and political implications in the context of changing bilateral relations. (Answer in 200 words)

19) Enumerate the problems and prospects of inland water transport in India. (Answer in 200 words)

20) In what way micro-watershed development projects help in water conservation in drought-prone and semi-arid regions of India? (Answer in 200 words)

UPSC IAS Mains 2015: General Studies I

1) The ancient civilization in Indian sub continent differed from those of Egypt, Mesopotamia and Greece in that its culture and traditions have been preserved without breakdown to the present day. Comment. (Answer in 200 words)

2) Mesolithic rock cut architecture of India not only reflects the cultural life of the times but also a fine aesthetic sense comparable to modern painting. Critically evaluate this comment. (Answer in 200 words)

3) How difficult would have been the achievement of Indian independence without Mahatma Gandhi? (Answer in 200 words)

4) Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. B R Ambedkar, despite having divergent approaches and strategies, had a common goal of amelioration of the downtrodden. Elucidate. (Answer in 200 words)

5) It would have been difficult for the Constituent Assembly to complete its historic task of drafting the Constitution for Independent India in just three years, but its experience gained with the Government of India Act, 1935 .Discuss. (Answer in 200 words)

6) Why did the industrial revolution first occur in England? Discuss the quality of life of the people there during the industrialization. How does it compare with that in India at present times? (Answer in 200 words)

7) To what extend can Germany be held responsible for causing the two World Wars? Discuss critically. (Answer in 200 words)

8) Describe any four cultural elements of diversity in India and rate their relative significance in building a national identity. (Answer in 200 words)

9) Critically examine whether growing population is the cause of poverty OR poverty is the mains cause of population increase in India. (Answer in 200 words)

10) How do you explain the statistics that show that the sex ratio in Tribes in India is more favourable to women than the sex ratio among Scheduled Castes? (Answer in 200 words)

11) Discuss the changes in the trends of labour migration within and outside India in the last four decades. (Answer in 200 words)

12) Discuss the positive and negative effects of globalization on women in India? (Answer in 200 words)

13) Debate the issue whether and how contemporary movements for assertion of Dalit identity work towards annihilation of caste. (Answer in 200 words)

14) Explain the factors responsible for the origin of ocean currents. How do they influence regional climates, fishing and navigation? (Answer in 200 words)

15) Mumbai, Delhi and Kolkata are the three Mega cities of the country but the air pollution is much more serious problem in Delhi as compared to the other two. Why is this so? (Answer in 200 words)

16) India is well endowed with fresh water resources. Critically examine why it still suffers from water scarcity. (Answer in 200 words)

17) The states of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand are reaching the limits of ecological carrying capacity due to tourism. Critically evaluate. (Answer in 200 words)

18) How far do you agree that the behaviour of the Indian monsoon has been changing due to humanizing landscape? Discuss. (Answer in 200 words)

19) Smart cities in India cannot sustain without smart villages. Discuss this statement in the backdrop of rural urban integration. (Answer in 200 words)

20) What are the economic significance of discovery of oil in Arctic Sea and its possible environmental consequences? (Answer in 200 words)

UPSC IAS Mains 2014: General Studies I

1) To what extent has the urban planning and culture of the Indus Valley Civilization provided inputs to the present day urbanization? Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)

2) Gandhara sculpture owed as much to the Romans as to the Greeks. Explain. (Answer in 150 words)

3) Taxila university was one of the oldest universities of the world with which were associated a number of renowned learned personalities of different disciplines. Its strategic location caused its fame to flourish, but unlike Nalanda, it is not considered as a university in the modern sense. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)

4) The third battle of Panipat was fought in 1761. Why were so many empire-shaking battles fought at Panipat? (Answer in 150 words)

5) Sufis and medieval mystic saints failed to modify either the religious ideas and practices or the outward structure of Hindu / Muslim societies to any appreciable extent. Comment. (Answer in 150 words)

6) Examine critically the various facets of economic policies of the British in India from mid-eighteenth century till independence. (Answer in 150 words)

7) In what ways did the naval mutiny prove to be the last nail in the coffin of British colonial aspirations in India? (Answer in 150 words)

8) What were the major political, economic and social developments in the world which motivated the anti-colonial struggle in India? (Answer in 150 words)

9) What were the events that led to the Suez Crisis in 1956? How did it deal a final blow to Britain’s self-image as a world power? (Answer in 150 words)

10) The New Economic Policy – 1921 of Lenin had influenced the policies adopted by India soon after independence. Evaluate. (Answer in 150 words)

11) How does patriarchy impact the position of a middle class working woman in India? (Answer in 150 words)

12) Why do some of the most prosperous regions of India have an adverse sex ratio for women? Give your arguments. (Answer in 150 words)

13) The life cycle of a joint family depends on economic factors rather than social values. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)

14) Discuss the various economic and socio-cultural forces that are driving increasing feminization of agriculture in India. (Answer in 150 words)

15) How do the Indian debates on secularism differ from the debates in the West? (Answer in 150 words)

16) Most of the unusual climatic happenings are explained as an outcome of the El-Nino effect. Do you agree? (Answer in 150 words)

17) Why are the world’s fold mountain systems located along the margins of continents? Bring out the association between the global distribution of fold mountains and the earthquakes and volcanoes. (Answer in 150 words)

18) Explain the formation of thousands of islands in Indonesian and Philippines archipelagos. (Answer in 150 words)

19) Tropical cyclones are largely confined to South China Sea, Bay of Bengal and Gulf of Mexico. Why? (Answer in 150 words)

20) Bring out the relationship between the shrinking Himalayan glaciers and the symptoms of climate change in the Indian sub-continent. (Answer in 150 words)

21) Whereas the British planters had developed tea gardens all along the Shivaliks and Lesser Himalayas from Assam to Himachal Pradesh, in effect they did not succeed beyond the Darjeeling area. Explain. (Answer in 150 words)

22) Why did the Green Revolution in India virtually by-pass the eastern region despite fertile soil and good availability of water? (Answer in 150 words)

23) Account for the change in the spatial pattern of the Iron and Steel industry in the world. (Answer in 150 words)

24) Critically evaluate the various resources of the oceans which can be harnessed to meet the resource crisis in the world. (Answer in 150 words)

25) How does India see its place in the economic space of rising natural resource rich Africa? (Answer in 150 words)

UPSC IAS Mains 2013: General Studies I

1) Though not very useful from the point of view of a connected political history of South India , the Sangam literature portrays the social and economic conditions of its time with remarkable vividness. Comment. (10 marks-200 words.)

2)

a. Discuss the Tandava dance as recorded in the early Indian inscriptions. (5 marks- 100 words.)

b. Chola architecture represents a high watermark in the evolution of temple architecture. Discuss. (5 marks- 100 words.)

3) Defying the barriers of age, gender and religion, the Indian women became the torch bearer during the struggle for freedom in India. Discuss. (10 marks-200 words)

4) Several foreigners made India their homeland and participated in various movements. Analyze their role in the Indian struggle for freedom. 10 marks-200 words

5) In many ways, Lord Dalhousie was the founder of modern India. Elaborate. 10 marks-200 words

6) Critically discuss the objectives of Bhoodan and Gramdan movements initiated by Acharya Vinoba Bhave and their success. 10 marks-200 words

7) Write a critical note on the evolution and significance of the slogan “Jai Jawana Jai Kisan”. 10 marks-200 words

8) Discuss the contribution of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad to pre-and post independent India. 10 marks-200 words

9) Analyze the circumstances that led to Tashkent Agreement in 1966. Discuss the highlights of the agreement. 10 marks-200 words

10) Critically examine the compulsions which prompted India to play a decisive roles in the emergence of Bangladesh. 10 marks-200 words

11) “Latecomer” Industrial revolution in Japan involved certain factors that were markedly different from what west had experience. 10 marks-200 words

12) Africa was chopped into states artificially created by accident of European competition. Analyse. 10 marks-200 words

13) American Revolution was an economic revolt against mercantilism. Substantiate. 10 marks-200 words

14) What policy instruments were deployed to contain the great economic depression? 10 marks-200 words

15) Discussion the various social problems which originated out of the speedy process of urbanization in India. 10 marks-200 words

16) Male membership needs to be encouraged in order to make women’s organization free from gender bias. Comment. 10 marks-200 words

17) Critically examine the effects of globalization on the aged population in India. 10 marks-200 words

18) Growing feeling of regionalism is an important factor in the generation of demand for a separate state. Discuss. 10 marks-200 words

19)

(a). What do you understand by the theory of continental drift? Discuss the prominent evidences in its support. 5 marks 100 words

(b) The recent cyclone on the east coast of India was called “Phailin”. How are the tropical cyclones named across the world? Elaborate. 5 marks-100 words.

20)

(a) Bring out the causes for the formation of heat islands in the urban habitat of the world. 5 marks 100 words

(b) What do you understand by the phenomenon of temperature inversion in meteorology? How does it affect the weather and the habitants of the place? 5 marks 100 words

21) Major hot deserts in northern hemisphere are located between 20-30 degree north and on the western side of the continents. Why? 10 marks-200 words.

22)

(a) Bring out the causes for more frequent landslides in the Himalayas than in Western Ghats. 5 marks 100 words

(b) There is no formation of deltas by rivers of the Western Ghats. Why? 5 marks 100 words

23)

(a) Do you agree that there is a growing trend of opening new sugar mills in the Southern states of India ? Discuss with justification. 5 marks 100 words

(b) Analyze the factors for highly decentralized cotton textile industry in India . 5 marks 100 words

24) With growing scarcity of fossil fuels, the atomic energy is gaining more and more significance in India. Discuss the availability of raw material required for the generation of atomic energy in India and in the world. 10 marks-200 words

25) It is said the India has substantial reserves of shale oil and gas, which can feed the needs of country for quarter century. However, tapping of the resources doesn’t appear to be high on the agenda. Discuss critically the availability and issues involved. 10 marks-200 words